Education Focus: Open Academy At The Con

Answered by: Alice Papademetriou, Program Officer

What kind of courses do you offer? We offer a range of eight week short music courses for adults. The classes are all small in size and there is much variety. You can choose from Vocal Fundamentals through to Jazz Improvisation or Beginner Piano through to Songwriting.

Do you offer practical on-site learning or more of a theoretical base? Yes, all of our courses are practical-based classes. Whether learning riffs for a blues guitar, improvising on a jazz tune or perhaps learning how to sing and even performing solo with an accompanist.

What makes you different to other educational institutions? The classes are all held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music so the facilities are purpose built for music education. We have been running these classes for over 35 years and our teachers are some of the most experienced musicians and educators in the industry.

What kind of social activities do you offer? Many of the classes have an end of term concert which is free for family, friends and all other students are welcome to attend. The students often see each other socially outside class times and friendships are made.

Do you offer job opportunities, internships, or other ways to help students get ahead? Not at this stage but many of the classes have different levels so there are lots of returning students. These classes have also given students the confidence to perform publicly.

When and where is your next Info Day/Open Day? Date will be in August 2017.

Website link for more info: openacademy.sydney.edu.au/Short+Courses